How to Pronounce Possibly

To pronounce "possibly", say POSS-ibly — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈpɒsɪbli/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

possibly

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈpɒsɪbli/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “possibly”

"possibly" has 2 syllables: poss-ibly. It rhymes with impossibly, if that helps it stick.

What does possibly mean?

adverb

(modifying a clause or predicate) Perhaps; indicates that the proposition may be true (is not certainly false) regardless of any facts or circumstances known to, stated by or implied by the speaker.
“It was possibly the costliest mistake in the organization's history.”
(modifying a verb) In the realm of possibility; indicates that the action may successfully be performed (is not impossible) regardless of any facts or circumstances known to, stated by or implied by the speaker that might limit the performance.
“I couldn't possibly be there on time.”

Synonyms

conceivably maybe perhaps potentially

Antonyms

certainly impossibly inevitably

Words that rhyme with possibly

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

impossibly

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "possibly"?▾

"Possibly" has 2 syllables: poss · ibly.

What is the IPA transcription of "possibly"?▾

The IPA transcription of "possibly" is /ˈpɒsɪbli/.

What does "possibly" mean?▾

Possibly: (modifying a clause or predicate) Perhaps; indicates that the proposition may be true (is not certainly false) regardless of any facts or circumstances known to, stated by or implied by the speaker.

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